Letters to the editor for Saturday, June 29, 2013

Saturday

Jun 29, 2013 at 2:00 AM

This is in response to the recent article in regards to the negotiations between the CSEA and Orange County Executive Ed Diana. My first reaction and only reaction is pure, utter disgust. Is Diana really seriously thinking that we at Valley View are not worth anything? To give up retro pay, give back 1 percent of our salaries and contribute more toward our health insurance — why not just kick us a little more?

This is in response to the recent article in regards to the negotiations between the CSEA and Orange County Executive Ed Diana. My first reaction and only reaction is pure, utter disgust. Is Diana really seriously thinking that we at Valley View are not worth anything? To give up retro pay, give back 1 percent of our salaries and contribute more toward our health insurance — why not just kick us a little more?

I say enough already, all of you elected officials — and I emphasize "all" — should have looked at the fiscal situation at Valley View years ago when you hired Orange Administration. Maybe all of you people should walk a mile in our shoes. We are hardworking individuals, who of late have had to step it up so the facility can run in the manner in which our residents and their family members are accustomed to.

For me and my fellow co-workers, do not ask us or demand us to give up everything. If we have to give, then the give should be across the board.

Joanne Warren

Town of Wawayanda

What a wonderful and fun-filled weekend in Newburgh. Congrats and sincere thanks to all those who worked so hard to bring Newburgh Illuminated to life. It's impossible to tell about all the great events, but there was surely something for everyone to enjoy: art exhibits, music in various venues, activities in Downing Park, free tours of historic sites, the Lightbulb Project, walking tours, motorcycle run, free movie at the Downing Film Center, Trestle illuminated, the Edison Power Plant, etc. To those who organized the festival, or sponsored events, or who participated, I say hats off to you for shining the light on our beautiful city.

Jacklyn Chapman

Newburgh

Thanks to the Pike County (Pa.) sheriff on his decision to stop issuing pistol permits to New York residents with unrestricted carry permits. I discovered this while applying, and more shocking was the reason: the number of applications that had to be rejected because of holders of unrestricted carry permits in Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan counties in New York with criminal records. Prior to this, unrestricted carry permit holders in New York could apply for a Pennsylvania pistol permit. Pennsylvania has reciprocal agreements with 29 other states, which means if Pennsylvania issued this "polluted" permit, they would be aiding someone that should not have a permit at all. While our governor Mr. Cuomo would have you believe he just saved the world with his "SAFE-ACT," there are serious holes in the system that jeopardize the legitimate rights of responsible gun owners and the safety of the public. Enough whipping up ill-conceived politically motivated laws overnight; enforce laws already in place. I urge the Times Herald-Record to look into this as a matter of public safety